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The Wallabies played wonderfully well the other night against England, recording a 27-17 win. The Deans era continues its ascent from the Jones/Connolly doldrums to a youthful, vibrant, but most of all, courageous team of breathtaking ball playing skill.
Scrumtime was more a matter of a scrummaging session similar to the U16A’s going up against the 2nd XV pack.
It confirmed several things: missing Alexander, Robinson, Polata Nau, Horwill, Vickerman and Moore leaves a hole – a big hole.
The youngsters that came in, need to get better – a lot better.
The second and backrows need to drive through and stay bound longer to support the front row. The incumbents possess great courage and passion. This group will improve and this will put pressure on the first tier as they return from injury.
But while our youngsters were at scrum practice, the backs were simply scintillating.
Burgess was the best player on the field and repaid the faith that Deans had shown in him when most had given up. Coaching can be very rewarding!
The Cooper train keeps rolling on.
Let’s all hope that the Queensland Judge presiding over Cooper’s impeding case is a rugby fan. Barnes kicked well and Horne, despite few opportunities, was using his exceptional strength and speed at the breakdown and in defence.
Mitchell was involved and showed what a good player he can be if he gets serious and plays with consistency. Ioane was surprisingly error prone but, as always, ran straight and hard.
O’Connor was dangerous every time he got the ball.
But I was most impressed with the final ingredient of the Australian performance – the defence.
Every tackle counted and was offensive. On numerous occasions, the Australian tackler slewed their target sideways with the force of the tackle.
England were England. They stuck with their decades old game plan. Select old guys, play a forward dominated game, ignore the backs.
Sure, they were dominant up front at scrum time. But Australia won every other aspect of the game, at least partially because the England team did not play. I assess, or should I say guess, that their performance was made up of the wrong tactics and mindset and the Wallabies just not letting them get into the game.
This was a wonderful game by the Wallabies and one that brings in the crowds, not just because of the win, but because of the passion and skill on display.
England disappointed and were schooled by Australia in almost every department of the game, other than the scrum.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.